ABOUT SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE:Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is a leader in the fight against hunger working to ensure all community members have the food they need to thrive. For nearly 50 years Second Harvest has welcomed neighbors with radical hospitality providing food and resources with care and dignity. A member of the Feeding America network Second Harvest is the largest hunger relief organization in Tennessee. The organization collaborates with individuals nonprofits and corporate partners to create lasting change across 46 counties in Middle and West 2024 Second Harvest distributedmore than 50 million pounds of food to 615 partner agencies across the region. This tremendous impact is made possible through a holistic community-centered approach that includes: - Food for Today:Access to food is a fundamental human right. Second Harvest meets neighbors immediate food needs through disaster relief efforts distributions to Partner Agencies/program sites mobile distributions and neighbor care pantries. The organization works with more than 720 sourcing partners including more than 500 grocery stores along with local farmers and food manufacturers to rescue quality food that might otherwise go to waste and provide fresh nutritious options for neighbors.
- Food for Tomorrow:To address the root causes of food insecurity Second Harvest partners with local agencies and service providers to connect neighbors with essential resources like healthcare housing legal assistance and access to critical government programs/benefits.
- Food for a Lifetime:Through workforce development nutrition education and other resources provided with strategic partners Second Harvest works to empower neighbors to break cycles of poverty and build a stronger community for the future.
Second Harvest has a track record of innovation and deep commitment to advancing long-term hunger solutions. More information about the organizations robust programming can be found in the most recent Annual Report linked HERE. Looking Ahead: Building on its strong reputation and history of impact Second Harvest has begun imagining its next chapter. This is a critical moment for the organization: across the region people of all backgrounds are facing increased needs. Currently 1 in 7 neighbors in Second Harvests region are facing food insecurity and demand for food assistance has increased by 46% since 2020. As a part of this next chapter Second Harvest will continue its efforts toward the goals outlined in its current strategic plan (ending in FY26) including: - Beyond Food: Building an intentional network of partners to connect neighbors to services case management and other food security work.
- Nourish and Access: Ensuring neighbors have access to food and other assistance in a dignified and equitable manner.
- People and Belonging: Nurturing and sustaining an internal and external culture that reflects Second Harvests core values. Read more about the core values HERE.
- Sustainability: Growing sources of food funding and infrastructure to increase food security.
Second Harvest will soon begin building a new and expanded campus which will allow the organization to grow its capacity to provide solutions for neighbors. This campus expansion will allow the organization to double distribution capacity create space for wraparound services and strengthen partnerships to support a resilient sustainable and community-driven food system. For more information about Second Harvest please visit their website: Opportunity:As Second Harvest embarks on this exciting and ambitious next chapter the organization is seeking a dynamic mission-driven leader to serve as its next Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO). The CPO will play a central role in advancing Second Harvests mission positioning the organization to continue to meet rising need in the years ahead as well as the transition to our new campus in early 2028. The CPO is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive philanthropy and engagement strategy that supports annual and long-term revenue goals. Specifically this includes exceeding a revenue goal of $15M annually ($12M individual corporate planned giving and grants and $2M events peer to peer and CRM) and partnering with the Marketing team to achieve their $5M annual revenue addition this leader will partner across the organization to support a Capital Campaign that is expected to kick off mid-2026 with a goal exceeding $75 million. Reporting directly to the President & CEO the CPO is a key member of the senior leadership team. Leading a team of 28 (with five direct reports including: Director Community Engagement; Senior Director Corporate Engagement; Director Business & Donor Analytics; Director Development Operations; and External Affairs Assistant) the CPO oversees all fundraising programs donor engagement stewardship donor data and analytics revenue generating events volunteer engagement and community engagement initiatives. The role strengthens the organizations presence and reputation within the community deepens stakeholder relationships and advances a culture of philanthropy and service that fuels mission impact. This position requires an individual who enjoys and is particularly skilled in interfacing with a high volume of donors with the ambition to maximize untapped opportunities as well as attract new supporters aligned to the organizations work and mission. The CPO partners closely with the President & CEO Board of Directors and internal leaders to cultivate a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization and ensure sustainable revenue growth. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to: Fundraising Strategy & Execution Lead all aspects of the Development function including strategy financial oversight and team management. Develop and lead a multi-year philanthropy strategy with annual KPIs aligned to organizational priorities and growth objectives ensuring strong integration across all aspects of external affairs including fundraising community engagement marketing and financial planning. Creatively diversify revenue streamstaking smart strategic risks to unlock new funding opportunities. Serve as strategic advisor to the President & CEO on philanthropy volunteer and community engagement trends risks and opportunities. Inspire engage and retain donors and volunteers engaged in Second Harvests work and mission. Plan and carefully manage the philanthropy budget so that resources are allocated accurately efficiently and effectively to assure adequate support for Second Harvests mission.
Team Leadership Management & Collaboration Recruit develop and empower the Development team to reach new levels of success. Drive performance management a strong results orientation and healthy team culture through effective objective-setting coaching action-plan monitoring and evaluation of outcomes. Partner closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications to ensure collaboration and seamless execution of all areas of brand management marketing communications and public relations. Collaborate with organizational leaders on capital campaign or comprehensive campaigns. Collaborate with and support Second Harvest senior leadership team staff board members and advisory committee members with respect to cultivation solicitation and stewardship efforts. Serve as development liaison to the Strategic Partnership and Program Committee.
Philanthropy and Donor Engagement Personally steward a portfolio of major/transformational donors and prospects providing comprehensive timely and innovative stewardship. Ensure that all stakeholders have a consistently positive experience with Second Harvest by making sure communication and engagement is appropriate timely and on brand. Oversee database accuracy and analysis that delivers actionable insights to target supporters.
Volunteer and Community Engagement & Event Management Lead the strategic direction oversight and alignment of volunteer and community engagement across the organization including donor events positioning the organization as a thought leader and essential community partner. Use analytics data and donor feedback to improve community engagement volunteer and event strategy/outcomes. Ensure volunteers are effectively recruited trained managed and stewarded as key ambassadors and supporters. Build and maintain relationships with community leaders civic groups faith-based organizations and local businesses strengthening community partnerships visibility and trust.
Candidate Profile While it is understood that no candidate will offer every desired skill quality and characteristic the following offers a detailed aspirational view of the ideal candidate profile: An Expert in Fundraising & Development This leader will have: - Deep knowledge of and credibility within the fundraising and philanthropy field grounded in progressive leadership experience across multiple forms of giving.
- A strong personal orientation toward ambitious fundraising including comfort engaging at the highest levels of donor investment.
- High analytical and financial literacy with the ability to interpret data assess trends and connect insights to strategy.
- Exceptional organization attention to detail and follow-through paired with a results-oriented mindset.
- Genuine passion for philanthropy and belief in the power of fundraising to advance mission and impact.
An Inspirational & Collaborative Team Leader This leader will bring: - A people-centered leadership style rooted in trust integrity and respect for others.
- Strong judgment prioritization and problem-solving skills enabling clarity and confidence in complex environments.
- A deep commitment to developing mentoring and empowering others to do their best work.
- The ability to influence motivate and inspire teams and partners through example and shared purpose.
- A collaborative orientation that values transparency shared decision-making and collective success.
A Strategic Creative & Results-Oriented Thinker This leader will be: - A big-picture thinker with the ability to balance vision with action.
- Entrepreneurial and self-directed bringing high energy initiative and ownership to their work.
- Agile and curious eager to learn adapt and evolve in response to changing conditions.
- A creative and innovative thinker who continuously imagines new ways to engage donors and supporters.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity while maintaining focus momentum and accountability.
An Exceptional Relationship Builder & Communicator This leader will bring: - Exceptional interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence building authentic trust with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills paired with the ability to translate complexity into clarity.
- Comfort integrating data into persuasive narratives.
- A consultative collaborative approach that strengthens partnerships across teams leadership and the Board.
- The ability to bring people together aligning relationships around shared goals and values.
A Deep Commitment to the Mission This leader will bring: - Genuine passion for Second Harvests mission values and impact.
- A strong sense of purpose and the ability to bring the mission to life in ways that inspire others.
- A personal commitment to equity transparency and community-centered practices.
- The highest standards of integrity ethics and accountability.
- Respect for diverse backgrounds lived experiences and perspectives fostering an inclusive and values-driven culture.
Compensation and Benefits Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package including: - Medical dental and vision insurance (Second Harvest Food Bank covers 100% of the employee-only contributions for each)
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer funding
- 100% employer paid Life Insurance Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
- 403B Retirement Plan (After 1 Year Second Harvest provides up to 3% contribution match and a 5% base contribution of the employees compensation length of service vesting)
- 12 Sick Days Accrued/Year & 15 Vacation Days Accrued/Year (accruals increase according to length of service schedule) and 10 Paid Holidays
Location The successful candidate will be based in or willing to relocate to Nashville Tennessee. This role is expected to be in-person and highly visible with a regular presence at Second Harvests offices and throughout the community.
| Required Experience:
Chief
TO APPLY FOR THE CHIEF PHILANTHROPY OFFICER PLEASE CLICK HERE OR EMAILTO EXPRESS YOUR INTEREST.ABOUT SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE:Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is a leader in the fight against hunger working to ensure all community members have the food they need to th...
ABOUT SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE:Second Harvest Food Bank of Middle Tennessee is a leader in the fight against hunger working to ensure all community members have the food they need to thrive. For nearly 50 years Second Harvest has welcomed neighbors with radical hospitality providing food and resources with care and dignity. A member of the Feeding America network Second Harvest is the largest hunger relief organization in Tennessee. The organization collaborates with individuals nonprofits and corporate partners to create lasting change across 46 counties in Middle and West 2024 Second Harvest distributedmore than 50 million pounds of food to 615 partner agencies across the region. This tremendous impact is made possible through a holistic community-centered approach that includes: - Food for Today:Access to food is a fundamental human right. Second Harvest meets neighbors immediate food needs through disaster relief efforts distributions to Partner Agencies/program sites mobile distributions and neighbor care pantries. The organization works with more than 720 sourcing partners including more than 500 grocery stores along with local farmers and food manufacturers to rescue quality food that might otherwise go to waste and provide fresh nutritious options for neighbors.
- Food for Tomorrow:To address the root causes of food insecurity Second Harvest partners with local agencies and service providers to connect neighbors with essential resources like healthcare housing legal assistance and access to critical government programs/benefits.
- Food for a Lifetime:Through workforce development nutrition education and other resources provided with strategic partners Second Harvest works to empower neighbors to break cycles of poverty and build a stronger community for the future.
Second Harvest has a track record of innovation and deep commitment to advancing long-term hunger solutions. More information about the organizations robust programming can be found in the most recent Annual Report linked HERE. Looking Ahead: Building on its strong reputation and history of impact Second Harvest has begun imagining its next chapter. This is a critical moment for the organization: across the region people of all backgrounds are facing increased needs. Currently 1 in 7 neighbors in Second Harvests region are facing food insecurity and demand for food assistance has increased by 46% since 2020. As a part of this next chapter Second Harvest will continue its efforts toward the goals outlined in its current strategic plan (ending in FY26) including: - Beyond Food: Building an intentional network of partners to connect neighbors to services case management and other food security work.
- Nourish and Access: Ensuring neighbors have access to food and other assistance in a dignified and equitable manner.
- People and Belonging: Nurturing and sustaining an internal and external culture that reflects Second Harvests core values. Read more about the core values HERE.
- Sustainability: Growing sources of food funding and infrastructure to increase food security.
Second Harvest will soon begin building a new and expanded campus which will allow the organization to grow its capacity to provide solutions for neighbors. This campus expansion will allow the organization to double distribution capacity create space for wraparound services and strengthen partnerships to support a resilient sustainable and community-driven food system. For more information about Second Harvest please visit their website: Opportunity:As Second Harvest embarks on this exciting and ambitious next chapter the organization is seeking a dynamic mission-driven leader to serve as its next Chief Philanthropy Officer (CPO). The CPO will play a central role in advancing Second Harvests mission positioning the organization to continue to meet rising need in the years ahead as well as the transition to our new campus in early 2028. The CPO is responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive philanthropy and engagement strategy that supports annual and long-term revenue goals. Specifically this includes exceeding a revenue goal of $15M annually ($12M individual corporate planned giving and grants and $2M events peer to peer and CRM) and partnering with the Marketing team to achieve their $5M annual revenue addition this leader will partner across the organization to support a Capital Campaign that is expected to kick off mid-2026 with a goal exceeding $75 million. Reporting directly to the President & CEO the CPO is a key member of the senior leadership team. Leading a team of 28 (with five direct reports including: Director Community Engagement; Senior Director Corporate Engagement; Director Business & Donor Analytics; Director Development Operations; and External Affairs Assistant) the CPO oversees all fundraising programs donor engagement stewardship donor data and analytics revenue generating events volunteer engagement and community engagement initiatives. The role strengthens the organizations presence and reputation within the community deepens stakeholder relationships and advances a culture of philanthropy and service that fuels mission impact. This position requires an individual who enjoys and is particularly skilled in interfacing with a high volume of donors with the ambition to maximize untapped opportunities as well as attract new supporters aligned to the organizations work and mission. The CPO partners closely with the President & CEO Board of Directors and internal leaders to cultivate a strong culture of philanthropy across the organization and ensure sustainable revenue growth. Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to: Fundraising Strategy & Execution Lead all aspects of the Development function including strategy financial oversight and team management. Develop and lead a multi-year philanthropy strategy with annual KPIs aligned to organizational priorities and growth objectives ensuring strong integration across all aspects of external affairs including fundraising community engagement marketing and financial planning. Creatively diversify revenue streamstaking smart strategic risks to unlock new funding opportunities. Serve as strategic advisor to the President & CEO on philanthropy volunteer and community engagement trends risks and opportunities. Inspire engage and retain donors and volunteers engaged in Second Harvests work and mission. Plan and carefully manage the philanthropy budget so that resources are allocated accurately efficiently and effectively to assure adequate support for Second Harvests mission.
Team Leadership Management & Collaboration Recruit develop and empower the Development team to reach new levels of success. Drive performance management a strong results orientation and healthy team culture through effective objective-setting coaching action-plan monitoring and evaluation of outcomes. Partner closely with the Director of Marketing and Communications to ensure collaboration and seamless execution of all areas of brand management marketing communications and public relations. Collaborate with organizational leaders on capital campaign or comprehensive campaigns. Collaborate with and support Second Harvest senior leadership team staff board members and advisory committee members with respect to cultivation solicitation and stewardship efforts. Serve as development liaison to the Strategic Partnership and Program Committee.
Philanthropy and Donor Engagement Personally steward a portfolio of major/transformational donors and prospects providing comprehensive timely and innovative stewardship. Ensure that all stakeholders have a consistently positive experience with Second Harvest by making sure communication and engagement is appropriate timely and on brand. Oversee database accuracy and analysis that delivers actionable insights to target supporters.
Volunteer and Community Engagement & Event Management Lead the strategic direction oversight and alignment of volunteer and community engagement across the organization including donor events positioning the organization as a thought leader and essential community partner. Use analytics data and donor feedback to improve community engagement volunteer and event strategy/outcomes. Ensure volunteers are effectively recruited trained managed and stewarded as key ambassadors and supporters. Build and maintain relationships with community leaders civic groups faith-based organizations and local businesses strengthening community partnerships visibility and trust.
Candidate Profile While it is understood that no candidate will offer every desired skill quality and characteristic the following offers a detailed aspirational view of the ideal candidate profile: An Expert in Fundraising & Development This leader will have: - Deep knowledge of and credibility within the fundraising and philanthropy field grounded in progressive leadership experience across multiple forms of giving.
- A strong personal orientation toward ambitious fundraising including comfort engaging at the highest levels of donor investment.
- High analytical and financial literacy with the ability to interpret data assess trends and connect insights to strategy.
- Exceptional organization attention to detail and follow-through paired with a results-oriented mindset.
- Genuine passion for philanthropy and belief in the power of fundraising to advance mission and impact.
An Inspirational & Collaborative Team Leader This leader will bring: - A people-centered leadership style rooted in trust integrity and respect for others.
- Strong judgment prioritization and problem-solving skills enabling clarity and confidence in complex environments.
- A deep commitment to developing mentoring and empowering others to do their best work.
- The ability to influence motivate and inspire teams and partners through example and shared purpose.
- A collaborative orientation that values transparency shared decision-making and collective success.
A Strategic Creative & Results-Oriented Thinker This leader will be: - A big-picture thinker with the ability to balance vision with action.
- Entrepreneurial and self-directed bringing high energy initiative and ownership to their work.
- Agile and curious eager to learn adapt and evolve in response to changing conditions.
- A creative and innovative thinker who continuously imagines new ways to engage donors and supporters.
- Comfortable navigating ambiguity while maintaining focus momentum and accountability.
An Exceptional Relationship Builder & Communicator This leader will bring: - Exceptional interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence building authentic trust with diverse stakeholders.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills paired with the ability to translate complexity into clarity.
- Comfort integrating data into persuasive narratives.
- A consultative collaborative approach that strengthens partnerships across teams leadership and the Board.
- The ability to bring people together aligning relationships around shared goals and values.
A Deep Commitment to the Mission This leader will bring: - Genuine passion for Second Harvests mission values and impact.
- A strong sense of purpose and the ability to bring the mission to life in ways that inspire others.
- A personal commitment to equity transparency and community-centered practices.
- The highest standards of integrity ethics and accountability.
- Respect for diverse backgrounds lived experiences and perspectives fostering an inclusive and values-driven culture.
Compensation and Benefits Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience with a generous benefits package including: - Medical dental and vision insurance (Second Harvest Food Bank covers 100% of the employee-only contributions for each)
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer funding
- 100% employer paid Life Insurance Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
- 403B Retirement Plan (After 1 Year Second Harvest provides up to 3% contribution match and a 5% base contribution of the employees compensation length of service vesting)
- 12 Sick Days Accrued/Year & 15 Vacation Days Accrued/Year (accruals increase according to length of service schedule) and 10 Paid Holidays
Location The successful candidate will be based in or willing to relocate to Nashville Tennessee. This role is expected to be in-person and highly visible with a regular presence at Second Harvests offices and throughout the community.
| Required Experience:
Chief
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